Four council officers received over £100,000 in remuneration between 2018 and 2019.

The six-figure sums were revealed in the Tax Payers’ Alliance’s annual Town Hall Rich List.

South Ayrshire Council Chief Executive Eileen Howat received a total of £155,189, including pension payments.

Tim Eltringham, director of health and social care, was paid a total of £112,214 with a pension of £21,631.

Director of people, Douglas Hutchison, received £133,709, and director of place, Donald Gillies, was given £120,110, including pensions.

John O’Connell, TaxPayers’ Alliance boss, said: “The coronavirus crisis means that frontline council services are more crucial than ever, but at the same time household budgets face an enormous squeeze from crushing council tax rises.

“There are plenty of talented people in local authorities who are focused on delivering more for less, but that is needed across the board.”

A council spokesperson said: “Like all organisations, it’s important that we have the right leadership in place, to ensure we continue to deliver quality services to our residents.

“Salaries for council chief executives across Scotland are set by COSLA as part of a national collective agreement, while salaries for our directors are determined with reference to the Chief Executive’s salary and the duties and responsibilities of these posts.

“We will continue to review our management structure, to ensure best value for the people of South Ayrshire.

“The remuneration of our senior employees is openly publicised in our annual accounts, which are available on our website.”

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